Manawatu RC 21 December 2024 – R7 – Tina Comignaghi

Background:

Following the running of Race 7, the Group 3 ‘Humphries Construction Manawatu Cup’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘in that she directed her mount outwards approaching the 800m and jostled with COGNITO (W Pinn) with that rider becoming unbalanced’ 

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

(1) A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be:

(d) careless.

The Respondent confirmed that she understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved. Approaching the 800 metre mark, CROUCH was positioned one off the fence behind THE UNDERBELLY (Mr Craig Grylls), with NO COMPROMISE (Mr Ryan Elliot) to its inside and COGNITO (Mr Wiremu Pinn), to its outer. Ms Comignaghi  then looks to move out, contacting with and dictating the line of COGNITO. Mr PINN looks to resist this movement. Ms Comignaghi continues to push and in doing so, Mr Pinn becomes unbalanced. By way of comment, Ms Comignaghi noted that instructions were to get her mount going as early as possible. She added that as her movement was on the point of the turn (and not in a straight line), this accentuated the effect on COGNITO.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards outlined the Respondent’s record, as it relates to any breach of this particular Rule within the 12-month reset period. There is 1 breach noted, being Canterbury JC 14 September 2024, low to mid careless – 5-day suspension. Stewards noted that Ms Comignaghi has had 478 in that period. It was contended that the carelessness sat low to mid-range, with the Adjudicative Committee referred to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. Ms Comignaghi asked that any suspension imposed be deferred, to enable her to satisfy riding commitments on 30 December 2024.

Reason for Penalty:

The incident is satisfactorily identified through film. Mr Pinn was entitled to be positioned where he was. By dictating his line, Mr Pinn became noticeably unbalanced. A fall could have eventuated, but for his experience and skill.

The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the degree of carelessness sat low to mid-range.  The current NZTR Penalty Guide provides a starting point for low-range careless at a 5-day suspension and mid-range careless, a 7-day suspension. A 6-day suspension was adopted as a starting point. Uplift of 1 day was applied, given race status (Group 3), whilst a 1-day reduction was deemed appropriate, acknowledging record. The Penalty Guide does provide for, in the case of a Group or Listed Race, imposition of a fine in addition to any suspension. CROUCH finished 5th, earnt a stake of $3,000, with 50% of the Respondent’s share being $75. This fine was not imposed.  The Respondent’s request for deferment was granted.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 6 National Riding Days, effective from the close of racing on 30 December 2024, up to and including racing on 6 January 2025.